California....You have been SO GOOD to me

Run, Kim, Run.  Truly.  I feel like my trip to California allowed me to do it all.....to see it all, just like Forrest.  It was without a question, the best trip I have ever been on.

California has a very special place in my heart ♥.

I love everything, EVERYTHING about it including:

• The adorable little beach towns....

Seal Beach was only a quick drive from our hotel
and we spent two beautiful days there.
You will see it was a little cool for swimming (yikes!), but
that did not deter us from taking our shoes off
and enjoying the sand between our toes.

• Hopes of seeing famous celebrities....

I might mention that we visited Santa Monica and Hollywood on Sunday January 10th.
Does that day ring a bell for you?  Well it didn't until we saw the helicopters
and tv trucks at the Beverly Hilton.
We were driving by at 3pm....2 hours before the Golden Globes were set to begin!
Lots and lots of limos around but sadly I didn't see anyone....THIS time at least.
To be continued...

• A chance to experience a first class, FUN family vacation...

So Disney California has two parks:  Disneyland and California Adventure.
I love Disneyland but I especially love California Adventure.
Paradise Pier has an old fashion flair.  I love the fair or carnival type setting.
You can see we felt at ease here.  We had a blast!

• Historic Buildings are Valued and Reinvented

On my list was visiting the Anaheim Packing House.
 This 42,000 sq. ft. Sunkist packing house was built in 1919
and has been converted to the most unique dining experience.
With over 2 dozen fabulous artisan eateries, there is something for everyone.
We had some pretty serious poutine, crepes and build your own gelato pops.
Pretty much all are open concept so you can watch
the true art that goes into the creations.

Even found a bike at the Packing House.
This sealed the deal for me.
I will love The Packing House FOREVER.

• Host to CHA - A Paper Lover's Dream Come TRUE

Since this was the last year (after a 10 year stint) CHA was calling The Anaheim Convention Centre home, I HAD to experience it first hand.  And it was as wonderful as ever.  The amount of effort that goes into the booths and the samples is mind boggling.  The best of the best is there to represent themselves and it definitely showed.  I was wowed at every turn.

You saw a few of my pics from previous posts, but here are a few more.

Of course I was drawn to the rubber stamp booths and samples.  I wish these cards showed up better but are these not incredible?  Penny Black watercolour-style cards above were so elegant and dreamy.

You can always count on a good laugh at Art Impression's booth.  This is an oldie (no offence!) but certainly a goodie.

 Spellbinder's now has rubber stamps thanks to the wonderful partnership with various artist.  Above is a gorgeous stamp by Tammy Tutterow.  This makes me smile.  Anyone interested in getting a special guest artist to The Pickle?  Tammy is at the top of my list.

 Planners were all the rage at the show.  I know some of you are not sold on this concept but I hope to show you how much fun you can have with these!!  (Ahem.....I may be putting a call out to all my planner frenzy friends to help me out here!).  So, so FUN.

Carpe Diem?  Of course I will!!

And finally.....

• You feel like a kid in California!

I think my smile with Pluto says it all.
I am recharged and ready to rock and roll this year!

I adore how natural Jules looks here.  California is one of her happy places.

It was amazing how Coulter was all business at the beach.
 He would not rest until his fort was complete.
So yep....those are surfers in the background.  Cool....dude.

So don't think this trip was ALL play.  I represented The Paper Pickle very well, I think, playing it very cool at the booths.  No fan photo or autograph requests from this girl.  I was very professional (hey, I got lots of photos from past shows...haha) and took tons of notes.  Products have been ordered and I cannot wait to share my love of the hobby with you again this year!!

Kim

PS....And if you ever get the chance to visit California....do it!!  I know a girl who would be eager to show you the sites. ♥

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10-5
Sat - 10-3

CHA = LOVE

CHA. It never gets old. I am in awe at each and every booth. Brilliant artist. Incredible product. It is the perfect storm to get this paper lover enthused...inspired....ready to create!

Here are just a few of my favourite things:

Spellbinders released stamps by Tammy Tutterow. Her designs make me smile.  You should also see the fabulous dies and embossing folders!  This booth was SO inspiring. 

Planners by Simple Stories. The entire line called Carpe Diem is incredible. The quality of these planners plus the fact that they are blank and ready to be self dated make them my favourite planner of the show. 

These dies by Elizabeth Craft Designs WILL be at The Pickle. I am in love. So versatile and unlike anything I have ever seen. 

Everything Tim Holtz.  Can you say Distress Crayons, Distress Glaze and Metal Storage Tins for your Markers?  I took three pages of notes as I watched the master in action. 

This is just a little taste of my favourites. I promise to share more!  I'm off to the show tomorrow to finish up my hunt for the best products to bring back to you!  

Sunny regards,

Kim

CHA - I'm Coming At-Cha!

You guys. You guys. I'm on my way. On my way to CHA!  I promise to report on the latest and greatest. I promise to watch the paper geniuses in action and bring back some incredible techniques and new goodies for you.  I'm heading to the show early new week so please email me with requests and items to check out. 

We have a WINNER!

Oh wow!  Thank you to everyone for all the great product suggestions and kind words while I was in California!  The amount of new product released at CHA was unreal and even overwhelming (but definitely overwhelming in a good way!) so I definitely appreciated the words of advice.

Trend #1 - Stencils & Sprays

Many products can be used with stencils including sprays, chalk and ink!

I noticed that you are all loving the stencils from the various companies!  Stencils and various sprays were definitely hot at the show!  We currently have stencils in from Tim Holtz and Crafter's Workshop in the store right now but more will be on their way!  I really liked the stencils from Heidi Swapp.  And like Jackie P. and Nicole,  I too fell in love with Tim's new stencils including the crocodile pattern as well as the chevron wood grain and latticework designs!  These have all been ordered and we will see them once released from the company!  Stencils and sprays are great to use on art journals, mixed media canvas projects, scrapbook layouts and cards!

Trend #2 - Stamps

I am thrilled that you like the same stamps that I do!  Debbie said that she could see using the humorous stamps from Art Impressions on cards for her friends and CraftyViolet said she liked the cute little owl stamps too!  Owls were very hot at this show!

I am not sure if I mentioned this already, but it was when I saw the stamp company's booths, it was like I was in heaven.  The samples were inspiring and even seeing the wood mount stamps themselves made me smile!  A HUGE order for Penny Black stamps has been made!  I have also ordered from Some Odd Girl Stamps.  If you are not familiar with this company, have a look at this adorable little penguin card.  If you like colouring, these stamps are for you.

Trend #3 - Dies

You will be seeing dies from this adorable company at The Pickle!

It was incredible to see the number of companies now offering dies!  This is definitely one product that is not going away anytime soon.  Use dies on your page layouts, mixed media (as masks ,etc) and of course cards!  Penny Black has some detailed dies that I know you will love.  They too are on their way!

Did you know we just received a shipment of the new Memory Box dies last week?  An additional order is on it's way!  They are THIS hot!  Pauline, you will be happy to know many more of the new releases will be here next week!

And the Winner is....
So I made note of each and every comment.  Thank you again!  Each comment was assigned a number and after using a random number app on my phone, the winner was comment number 29 from Debbie B stating that she would love to see more of the Heidi Swapp Colour Shine in the store!!  I played with that product at the Heidi Swapp make and take table and I really loved the product.  The shimmer was incredible.  Thank you for the suggestion!  Debbie has won a $100 gift basket which is ready to be picked up anytime during store hours!  Congratulations!

There were also two runner up winners!  Nicole L. and Jackie P., you can pick up your 6x6 paper pads anytime during store hours!  Thank you to everyone for playing along!

Wedding Show
The Paper Pickle will be at the Chatham Kent Wedding Show this Saturday at the Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham.  Stop in and see our unique and beautiful invitation and stationery designs anytime between 11am-6pm!!  I am very passionate about paper and I LOVE creating custom invitations for my couples!!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed - Fri 10am-5pm
Sat. 9:30am-3pm

California - Day 7 & 8

Sunny California - I will miss you!

Day 7 - Work Hard...

This photo was featured in an ad campaign Envelopments ran in Martha Stewart Weddings.
I, too, use this image at wedding shows to promote this incredible line!

Before I left for California, I did a little research and realized that the Envelopment's head office was only 15 minutes from our hotel.  Envelopments is an amazing company with this most gorgeous paper and paper products perfect for invitations including pockets and other enclosures.  They are very popular with many of my brides.  Cardmakers also go crazy for their designer shimmer cardstocks.  Their quality and product offering is second to none.  And I am proud to say that The Paper Pickle Company is the area's exclusive Envelopments dealer!  

I contacted the company and was thrilled that they agreed to allow me to visit!  I could not wait to see where the magic happened!

Spot the 'LOVE' banner?
I HAD to take a picture of this prop used in the ad above!

The moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat!  Jennifer, the Business Development and Marketing Communications manager showed me around and personally introduced me to every member of their team.  Everyone was so warm and welcoming.

Fresh, open concept complete with their signature 'v' flap design in the building design 

I loved the open concept.  The paint, furniture and numerous windows added to the fresh and creative atmosphere!  They even have their own Zen garden!  

And when I heard they were a family run business, with many members of the team being connected (husband and wife, sisters, etc.), I had to share stories about being apart of a family run business.  Jennifer had to chuckle when she heard how we got our name.  You see, her husband is a cucumber aficionado.  He knows which are best for juicing and for his "green" drinks.  He knows where to buy the best and freshest in the area.  So when I met him in the production and shipping area, we had lots to chat about!  Such crazy connections in this world of ours.....

I felt so tall next to Jennifer and Laura!  I have to smile when I look at this photo.
They look like they are dressed for winter (or working in a cool office) and I am the tourist in flip flops!
What am I wearing?  Really?  It's like business on top and party on the bottom!  Ha!
I mean it was 85F that day!!  Ha.  Such cute girls!

A display of Envelopments beautiful product

I had a chance to see the new designer papers and colours and I cannot wait to offer these to you!  I am absolutely in love with the colours and patterns.  I know designs will come easily to me with the help from this leading edge company!

I also got to see the die cutting machine in action and that just blew me away!  We could make some serious progress and designs with our Memory Box dies in that machine!!

Got scraps?

Another thing that blew me away?  The amount of scrap paper that could be generated by a company like this.  Have a look at this bin!  Scraps are always an issue for any paper crafter.  The question is always, "keep or toss".  I had to ask Jennifer about this and I was thrilled to hear that these scraps get donated to various agencies who put them to good use.  Programs use these scaps for children's crafts, etc.  How amazing.

If I ever decide to move to California, I know where I will start looking for a job!  Ha!

Day 7 - ...Play Hard!

It seemed strange but it was still Christmas at Disney!

It was time for Jennifer to get back to work and it was time for me to meet up with my family!  We had one day left of play in California and we chose to visit Disneyland for one last time (this trip anyways!)

Julia was thrilled to get two more autographs in her Simple Stories Say Cheese autograph book!
Anyone going to Disney NEEDS this great little book complete with autograph area and placed for pictures.
 I will ask the boss if I can bring hers to the store to show you!

We met THE Mouse of all Mice!
He was ready for this photo op in his house!

Fun in Toontown

He was really working hard to lift these out of the ground.

Day 8 - Homeward Bound...

Anyone who knows me knows this is my favourite movie.

Day 8 was a very long day of travel.  Trevor was concerned with morning rush hour traffic in LA.  I didn't really think about that when I booked our 11:38am flight.  We left the hotel just after 7am to beat the traffic.  We did make the mistake of hitting the road immediately after eating breakfast but this time we were prepared and Coulter knew just what to do with his Target bags!

We made it with plenty of time to spare.  That was fine as we sat and relaxed and got ready for the flight home.

Once boarded, the flight was delayed an hour due to issues with the luggage weight but that was fine.  I spent the entire hour (and more) sorting through my new catalogues and choosing which products are a must for the store!  I was in my happy place.

The icing on this trip's cake came when I started scanning through the flight's movie choices and came across the movie "Almost Famous".  Like, really??  This movie is older and more of an indie hit so of course I was surprised.  The first scene shows a California beach town in 1973 during the Christmas season with Alvin and the Chipmunks singing.  It was all too perfect.  I don't know why this little detail just made my trip but it did!

We landed after 8pm local time, drove through our "welcome home" Canadian snowstorm and were safe and sound in our house by midnight.  Ahhh....It felt good to be home.

"It's all Happening"...
After all these post, I'm sure you can conclude that the trip was a success!  I will admit that it was one of the most rewarding trips I have ever been on.  It was incredible to experience the California beaches and Disney together as a family.  We learned so much and laughed so much.  There were so many firsts and I will never forget it!

And from a business perspective....well let's just say I have been re-energized!  I have been inspired.  I am ready to create and share my passion with you!  Look for big changes in the very near future.  It's all happening....

Kim

PS...The store is open Saturday (9:30am-3pm) and it is the last day of our sale (BOGO 50% off all stamps, dies and embossing folders).  It is also the last day of our contest!  Add comments to the blog or facebook and you will be entered into a draw for very yummy goodies which will take place next week!  Winner to be announced Thursday morning!

California - Day 5 & 6

Carsland

Well, here it is. Another post about my love of California and CHA. Why do I love these two things SO much right now?  Let's break it down:

Here are reasons why I LOVE California:

Huntington Beach

The amazing weather and beautiful beaches. Today we visited Surf City USA - Huntington Beach.

Hello Donald!

Unreal family fun at Disneyland!  We have all been over the moon since we got here!

The view from the top of the ferris wheel

Paradise Pier and the Ferris Wheel in the background

Good old fashion family fun and memories to treasure. 

The family (and Minnie!)

Paradise Pier

And now onto the reason why I love CHA  and their winter convention:

The incredible amount of beautiful products at every turn!

Impression Obsession

(Including amazing stamps from and a longtime favourite of ours - Impression Obsession!  You will definitely be seeing these in the store!)

Look at this booth!  Gorgeous!

Crate Paper - So fun!

(Crate Paper products make me smile and seeing them in person in their booth made me smile so much my cheeks hurt...for real!)

Kaisercraft 

(I really liked this line from Kaisercraft. Think I should get it?!)

Amazing Samples to showcase beautiful product!

Art Impressions

Art Impressions

(These are gorgeous cards showing off Art Impressions stamps. Again, another must have in the store!)

Penny Black

(This sample was found in Penny Black's booth. This stamp is on order. I cannot wait until it arrives!)

Prima samples

(Unreal samples at Prima. Everything was so beautiful in their booth!)

Prima LOVE

(Just had to throw in another Prima sample.)

This photo does not do this art work justice.  Unreal.  Love these stamps.

(These new stamps and heavy bodies acrylic paints from Ranger artist, Dina Wakely make me want to art journal!)

Basic Grey

(Basic Grey always has wonderful displays showcasing their product. This line is another one you will be seeing in The Pickle!). 

Honestly guys, this working vacation has me recharged and ready to tackle the world. I have so many ideas in my head and all I want to do is paper craft!!  This has been amazing and I cannot wait to share my ideas, creations and experiences with you!

Kim